Odor-free toilet

ABSTRACT

An odor extracting system for a toilet bowl of a toilet pedestal, coupleable to a water supply via a flush conduit leading to flush outlets under a rim of the bowl; the bowl being coupleable to a sewage pipe via a U shaped trap; the odor extracting system comprising: an air bypass extending substantially through the pedestal, the air bypass for bypassing the U shaped trap, that is coupled to air intake ports around the toilet bowl, and to the sewage pipe downstream of the U shaped trap; an air pump for pumping air and vapors out of toilet bowl to sewage pipe via the air bypass, and a light weight air valve upstream of the air pump, the air valve to seal the air bypass when said pump is not in use to prevent escape of smells from the sewage pipe to the toilet bowl; said system further comprising a sealing lid coupled to the toilet pedestal, allowing access to the air valve and air pump, whilst preventing escape of odors from the bypass.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to providing a toilet including anodor extracting system for removing odors.

BACKGROUND

Human excrement smells unpleasant and, unless carefully disposed of,transmits diseases. A major development in the disposal of humanexcrement was Sir Thomas Crapper's water closet, which has hardlychanged unto this day.

Essentially, excrement is deposited into a bowl of water coupled to asewage pipe by a U shaped tube. The sudden emptying of a large quantityof water into the bowl causes the contents thereof to be flushed throughthe U tube into the sewage pipe. The U tube remains full of water andprevents noxious smells from the sewage pipe from permeating back intothe water closet.

Unfortunately, users of water closets or toilets, themselves, mayrelease quantities of gases together with waste products. Additionally,if the toilet is not flushed frequently, as may be the case during watershortages, and the like, or until flushed, the contents thereof mayrelease foul smells into the air within the generally small confines ofthe toilet.

Preferably, toilet rooms should be well ventilated with a window to theoutside. In practice, this is not always possible, and often, to savespace, toilets are positioned under staircases and in other places,where windows are not possible. An alternative solution is to provide aduct to the outside, and to use an extractor fan to pump air into such aduct. Such a duct is usually positioned in or near the ceiling. Forprivacy, toilet windows are usually small and positioned high up aswell. The problem with both windows and such extractor fans is that thegases have to diffuse, typically by Brownian motion, throughout thesmall confines of the toilet. In consequence thereof, such gases may beinhaled by users. Particularly in public places where the number ofusers of toilets is large, windows or extractor fans of the typesdiscussed hereabove are not ideal solutions.

It will be noted that pot-pourri, sprays and other, so called, airfresheners, merely disguise the smells and do not prevent inhalation ofgases, odors and possibly air-borne germs.

The above problem has been recognized in the past, and many solutionshave been proposed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,361,422 to Vincent titled “Toilet ventilating system”describes a toilet ventilating system for use with a bowl incorporatinga sewer line connection and including an upstanding vent conduit leadingfrom the bowl rim outlets to an elevated cross over in the water storagetank and then dropping downwardly to form an exhaust conduit connectedwith the sewer connection. A centrifugal fan having a flow rate of 60cubic feet per minute is incorporated in the vent conduit and a trapvalve is incorporated in the cross over for selectively opening andclosing communication between the vent conduit and the exhaust conduit.The trap valve incorporates a floating cylinder, the positioning ofwhich is controlled by water pumped from an elevated reservoir through apositive displacement pump. A controller is provided for controlling thepositive displacement pump to open the trap valve, actuation of thecentrifugal fan and closure of the trap valve, deactivation of the fanand actuation of the flush valve.

The system is designed for use with monoblock type toilets, and has arelatively complicated mechanism for venting odors to the sewage lineafter the u shaped trap.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,543 to Sim, titled “Toilet assembly having anautomatic ventilation system”, describes a toilet assembly having anautomatic ventilation system which includes a high-powered suctionmember, an innovative motion sensor, a siphonic action member, anddischarging member for objectionable odor. While the user sits on thetoilet seat ring, the objectionable odor is effectively ventilated. Whenthe user stands up and pushes a flush push button, the toilet assemblyis effectively flushed.

The mechanism described includes sensors and electromagnets and iscomplicated and not too reliable.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,738 to Sowards, titled “R. V. toilet ventingsystem”, relates to a remotely operable exhaust blower that isoperatively associated with the upper discharge end of the vent pipe ofa recreational vehicle holding tank. A vent line including an inlet endand an outlet end is provided with its outlet end opening downwardlyinto a closed passage which couples the waste outlet of the toilet withthe inlet of the holding tank. The inlet end of the vent line iscommunicated with the flushing water supply passage for the toilet bowlthrough the utilization of a float-type liquid flow preventing valvewhich allows downstream flow of odors and gases therethrough, preventsdownstream flow of liquid under pressure therethrough and preventsupstream flow of gases therethrough in the absence of water pressure inthe flushing water supply pipe upstream from the valve.

The system described by Sowards is complicated and ugly. It requires anunder-floor tank and has external piping that is difficult to keepclean, particularly when used by younger males with poor aim.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,345,617 to Jahner, titled “Toilet seat air freshener”,describes a toilet seat assembly for drawing in noxious toilet air,filtering and refreshing the air, and returning the treated air to thetoilet area. The toilet seat includes internally formed intake andexhaust ports which are each provided with respective intake and exhaustapertures. The intake apertures are arranged around the inner peripheryof the seat to point towards the center of the toilet and the exhaustapertures are arranged around the outer periphery of the seat. An airtreatment assembly is connected to the ports and is operable to draw airin through the intake apertures, pass the air through both a charcoalfilter and a deodorant filter, and exhaust the air through the exhaustapertures in the toilet seat. An alternate embodiment of the presentinvention includes a heater assembly to warm the air prior to itsexhaust.

The solution described is advantageous in that everything is coupled tothe toilet seat and can be retrofitted onto a wide range of standardtoilets. However, the solution is complicated and inherently unreliable.An air treatment assembly box is provided to the side and below theposition where the bowl and tank are joined. Conduit pipes run along theseam coupling the bowl and tank. Urine from males with poor aim willtend to run along the outside of the conduits to the box.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,369,813 to Goddard, titled “Self-contained toiletventing system”, describes a self-contained toilet ventilation systemfor retrofitting to an existing toilet installation of the typecomprising a bowl, a water tank attached to the bowl, a tank interiorair volume disposed within the tank, a bowl interior volume disposedwithin the bowl, and an overflow pipe connecting the tank interior airvolume to the bowl interior volume. The system comprises an odorremoving filter for reducing airborne odors, a motive fan for forcingair from the bowl interior air volume, through the overflow pipe,through the tank interior air volume, through the odor removing filter,and out of the system, and a mounting structure for housing the odorremoving filter and the motive fan, the mounting structure beingdisposed on an upper edge of the water tank.

The solution described includes a complicated mechanism within the watertank and a motion sensor for detecting someone sitting on the toiletseat.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,928,666 to Schaffer, titled “Toilet with self-containedventilation system”, describes a ventilation system that is selfcontained on a toilet. The ventilation system has an enlarged vent pipelocated in the water tank that communicates with the upper rim ducts ofthe toilet bowl. The vent pipe extends out of the water tank andreenters the toilet via the drain channel at a location downstream ofthe water trap. The vent pipe has a float valve in the water tank toprevent the tank from overflowing. A fan in the vent pipe exhausts theair from the toilet bowl; a flapper valve on the vent pipe end acts as aone-way valve preventing the flush from entering the exhaust duct.

The system has many advantages. It has several disadvantages however. Itrequires extensive alternation to the conventional flushing mechanism,and is inherently unreliable. Although providing a solution formonoblock toilets with the bowl and tank in a single unit, the system isinappropriate for toilets with concealed tanks hidden within the wall,such as are particularly popular in public conveniences.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,453 to Shahar (the inventor of the presentinvention), titled “Toilet venting system”, describes a system forventing a toilet comprising a toilet bowl fitted with a discharge outletat a lower portion of the toilet bowl connected to a sewer line, and aninlet for flushing water that is connected to a water cistern via aflushing tube and an exhaust line connected at a first end to the sewerline, and its second end being in a flow communication with the toiletbowl via the flushing tube. The exhaust line is fitted with anelectrically operated exhaust fan adapted to generate flow in directiontowards the sewer line, and a valve member located intermediate theexhaust fan and the flushing tube. The valve member prevents flow indirection from the sewer line and further preventing water flow indirection from the flushing tube towards the exhaust fan. Switchingapparatus is provided for activating the exhaust fan to excite gas flowfrom the toilet bowl towards the sewer line.

The system described provides a box like unit that is connected to thedown pipe coupling a raised tank to the toilet bowl. The system thoughreliable, is unaesthetic since it modifies the external appearance ofthe toilet.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,584,620 to Reutov, titled “Detachable toilet ventilationsystem”, describes an exhaust head mounted detachably to a toilet sidethat includes a collection portion that extends inward toward the toiletbowl between the toilet base and toilet seat to collect toilet gases.The head conforms to the shape of the toilet base with a thin profile asit proceeds rearward along the toilet base from the collection portion.An inconspicuous lavatory outlet duct runs along the lavatory wall andceiling to provide fluid communication between the flexible tube and thelavatory vent. A flexible tube that bends to allow the head to beremoved from the toilet for cleaning connects the head to the outletduct. Typically, the head is attached by means of a mild magnet attachedwith adhesive to the toilet base side and a matching ferromagneticmaterial on the head aligned with the magnet. A vent insert, to whichthe lavatory vents are connected, is provided for installation between apreexisting room vent cover and a building duct for closing the ventupon command. To close the insert slots, a battery-operated solenoidshifts a slotted cover plate between an open position and a closedposition in which the insert covers the plate slots.

The system described requires provision of an external vent and couplingthereto. This makes the system not applicable to every location.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,804,837 to Guess, Sr., titled “Odor transporter systemfor a toilet bowl” describes an odor transporter system for a toiletbowl, which comprises a box container hung on the rear wall of andinside the flush tank having an air/water valve hole in its front wall,and containing a tee connector. One horizontal tube exits from the teeconnector to accept water from the conventional water feed valve. Thesecond horizontal tube feeds into a reservoir mounted on a valve whichis open on top and attached to an arm of a ball float. The thirdvertical tube passes down into the water overflow pipe inside the boxcontainer. A nylon cord attached to the side of the valve body passesthrough a ring located at the bottom of the box container to theflushing lever. The high vacuum for exhausting the foul air is createdby a powerful air handler apparatus connected externally outside thetoilet room, and controlled by the conventional wall mounted light/fanswitch or a remote RF switch.

The solution described is a fairly complicated system situated insidethe water tank of a toilet. This requires the tank to be larger thanwould otherwise be the case, or to have a reduced capacity, reducing theeffectiveness of the flushing thereof.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,928,666 to Hipponsteel, titled “Apparatuses forventilating and deodorizing air” describes a system for accomplishingthe task of removing foul air, in which the malodor ventilationapparatus has attachment members such as suction cups or a hook for easyinstallation in different locations. The apparatus has an inlet port forthe intake of objectionable air and an outlet port to expel scentedrefreshed- air. Air is drawn into the inlet port by a motorized fan thatcreates a pressure differential. The objectionable air is drawn througha porous filter. The porous filter is scented by several drops of aliquid scent. This scent is volatized into the malodorous air, changingthe air into a pleasing aroma. The scented air is expelled anddissipated through an outlet port of the apparatus. Alternately, theapparatus can comprise a vent duct coupled to exhaust air from theoutlet port.

The product described is multipurpose, for use with cat litters, toiletsor rubbish bins, for example. When the external unsightly unit iscoupled to a toilet bowl, the result is inelegant. It will also beappreciated that all systems using filters require purchasing andreplenishing the filters. Such systems with active charcoal filters alsorequire frequent maintenance.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,421 to Rose titled “Air fresh toilet” describes howodors associated with the use of toilets are reduced by providing awater driven positive ventilation fan which pumps undesirable odorbearing gases from the toilet bowl and discharges them into the sewerthrough an auxiliary passage built into the toilet base. Operation ofthe ventilated toilet is automatic. Water valves coupled to the toiletseat and lid hinges turn on the fan's water turbine when the lid israised and weight placed on the seat. The fan turbine shuts offautomatically when this condition is no longer satisfied. An automaticblocking valve is provided in the auxiliary passage to preventback-streaming of sewer gas. This gas blocking valve opens automaticallywhen the fan is in operation and closes when the fan shuts off. Noelectrical connections are required.

A water-driven motor is described. The actuation is provided by someonesitting on the toilet seat. The effectiveness of the system is dependenton the user actually sitting on the seat and not merely squattingthereabove as is common for women to do to avoid germs, thrush infectionand the like. The mechanism is fairly complicated and thus inherentlyunreliable.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,370,703 to Kim et al. titled “Odorless toilet” describesa toilet that includes a fan configured to draw gases from the toiletbowl into the sewer line. The toilet also includes a tank assemblyconfigured so that the tank contains a low water volume prior to theuser sitting on the toilet seat, and a high water volume when and afterthe user sits on the toilet seat. The tank assembly includes a pivotingtrap cover comprising a container with an open lower end. The trap coverhas an interior separator, comprising a wall. In a lowered position ofthe trap cover, the separator establishes a water trap or seal betweenan interior chamber of the trap cover and an exhaust conduit from thetank to the sewer line. In a raised position of the trap cover, theseparator permits air flow from the interior chamber of the trap coverinto the exhaust conduit and down to the sewer. The tank assembly alsoincludes a float valve configured to permit water to flow into the tankfrom a water supply. When a person is not sitting on the toilet seat,the float valve permits a low water volume in the tank. When a personsits on the seat, a fan is activated to increase air pressure in thetrap cover, and/or to decrease air pressure inside a float of the floatvalve, via a Venturi tube. The adjusted air pressure causes the floatvalve to open to permit a high water volume in the tank. The increasedair pressure in the trap cover also causes the trap cover to rise,thereby drawing toilet bowl gases into the exhaust conduit.

The time period during which the extraction fan operates is thus fixedby the time taken to fill the tank. This situation has a number ofdrawbacks. It has no value where someone enters the toilet cubiclemerely for the purpose of breaking wind. If a man urinates into the bowlor someone vomits thereinto, they will be unable to flush and the tankonly fills up in response to someone sitting thereupon. Many women donot actually sit on the seat of public lavatories for fear of infection,and instead, squat over the bowl. Such a usage will not enable flushingat all. Finally, if someone suffers from a stomach upset and sits for alonger time period than that required to fill the tank, passing wind inthe meantime, the fan will cease operating once the tank is full. Forthe above reasons and others that will occur to the reader, the abovesystem has limited effectiveness.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,273 to Tillen, titled “Venting apparatus for flushtoilets” describes a toilet venting apparatus that includes an upperinsert mountable between a toilet tank and a toilet bowl, and a lowerinsert mountable between the bowl and a floor sewer pipe. The upperinsert has a first aperture therethrough that cooperates between a flushvalve aperture in a lower wall of the tank and a water-entry aperture inan upper surface of the bowl. The water-entry aperture cooperates, via amanifold in the bowl, in fluid communication with water dispensingapertures around an upper rim of the bowl.

A floor sewage pipe is required. The system described is complicated andprone to failure, and may require extensive maintenance.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,103,925 to Toth titled “Odor eliminating system for atoilet, toilet including the odor eliminating system, and toilet seatassembly” relates to an odor eliminating system utilizes an air pump toremove odors from a bowl of a toilet to a trap of the toilet. By movingthe odors to the trap, the odors cannot escape back to the bowl and canonly proceed out of the toilet to the sewer. The system can be adaptedto existing toilets by drilling a channel to the trap or the system canbe incorporated into new toilets.

It is noted that the location of the extraction vent is in the toiletseat, not in the toilet itself. Even conventional single piece solidtoilet seats are breakable and tend to last less time than the toiletbowl above which they are fitted. It will be noted that toilet seats areraised and lowered, both for cleaning and by male users in order tourinate. Having movable components in the seat fixed to immovablecomponents in the bowl does not provide a reliable long term solution.The solution to Toth described hereinabove is not a reliable, lowmaintenance solution such as would be desirable for public conveniences.

Despite the numerous attempts to provide odor removing systems fortoilets, none of them is truly satisfactory and there is room forimprovement in this crowded art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an aim of the invention to provide a bowl ventilation system forincorporating within a toilet or for retrofitting thereto, wherein themechanism is inherently reliable due to its simplicity and ruggedness,comprising simple valves and a simple electrical air fan.

It is a further aim, that the invention may be applied to flushabletoilets of all types, including monoblock toilets, toilets with raisedtanks and toilets with tanks concealed in the wall.

It is a yet further aim, that apart from coupling the tank to a watersupply and the bowl of the toilet to a sewage main, no further plumbingconnections are required.

It is a yet further aim, that the air pump is coupled to an electricalpower supply and may be actuated by a sensor, by a light switch oroperated continuously.

It is a yet further aim of preferred embodiments, that the pump andvalves are independent of the flushing tank.

It is a yet further aim of preferred embodiments, that the pump andvalves are easily accessed for maintenance, cleaning or replacement.

In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided An odor extractingsystem for a toilet bowl of a toilet pedestal, coupleable to a watersupply via a flush conduit leading to flush outlets under a rim of thebowl; the bowl being coupleable to a sewage pipe via a U shaped trap;the odor extracting system comprising: an air bypass extendingsubstantially through the pedestal, the air bypass for bypassing the Ushaped trap, that is coupled to air intake ports around the toilet bowl,and to the sewage pipe downstream of the U shaped trap; an air pump forpumping air and vapors out of toilet bowl to sewage pipe via the airbypass, and a light weight air valve upstream of the air pump, the airvalve to seal the air bypass when said pump is not in use to preventescape of smells from the sewage pipe to the toilet bowl; said systemfurther comprising a sealing lid coupled to the toilet pedestal,allowing access to the air valve and air pump, whilst preventing escapeof odors from the bypass. In one embodiment, the air intake ports isincorporated into a seat of the toilet for sucking air and odors fromvicinity of said seat to said sewage main.

In another embodiment, the air intake ports comprise additionalapertures around the rim of the toilet bowl, separate and distinct fromthe flush outlets.

In yet another embodiment, the air intake ports are the flush outletsunder the rim of the toilet bowl.

Optionally the system further comprises a water valve in air bypass, thewater valve upstream of air valve, the water valve to prevent water fromflush conduit from flowing throughout the air bypass on flushing thetoilet;

Typically, the water valve comprises a flap within the flush conduit.

However, the water valve may comprise a ball valve.

Typically, the air pump comprises a rotary fan.

Optionally, the air valve comprises a leaf flap that is displaceable bysuction of the air pump when said air pump is operated, and whichsealingly closes said air bypass when air pump is not operating.

In a preferred embodiment, the toilet comprises a rear extensionextending behind the bowl and housing the flush conduit, and the airbypass comprises: the flush conduit; a first duct with apertures in theroof of the flush conduit and in a block; the block situated in the rearextension; a water valve above said first duct for sealing the firstduct when flushing the toilet; a second duct with apertures in thesewage pipe downstream of the U shaped trap, and in the block; the airpump downstream of the water valve, and the light air valve, situatedbetween the water valve and the air pump.

Optionally, the odor extracting system further comprises ports providedthrough the rear extension, and a cover plate being provided with agasket and being bolted to the rear extension to provide a water andair-tight seal.

In another preferred embodiment, the odor extracting system comprises arear extension of the toilet, extending behind the bowl, and the airbypass comprises: a first duct with apertures in the toilet rim and in ablock; the block in the rear extension; a second duct with apertures inthe sewage pipe downstream of the U shaped trap, and in the block; theair pump downstream of the water valve, and the light air valve,situated between the water valve and the air pump.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the air bypass comprises: ventsaround a hollow toilet seat, the seat coupled to the toilet pedestal viaa hinge; a vent in the hinge; the light air valve comprising a normallyclosed air valve, coupled to the vent in the hinge, for preventingsewage vapors from sewage main flowing out of toilet seat, and the airpump downstream of said normally closed air valve.

In some embodiments, the water valve and air valve are comprised as asingle unit.

The air pump may be coupled to a light switch so that switching on alight in the vicinity of toilet activates the air pump.

Alternatively, the odor extracting system may be coupled to a sensor andactivated by use of the toilet.

Alternatively again, the odor extracting system may be coupled to anextractor fan for extracting fumes from the toilet cubicle.

A second aspect of the invention is directed to a toilet pedestalcomprising a toilet bowl with a rim having flush outlets thereunder thatare coupled to a flush conduit extending through a rear extension of thepedestal; the toilet bowl having an exit thereout, coupled to a firstsection of a sewage pipe via a U shaped trap; and further comprising anair bypass coupling the flush conduit to the first section of a sewagepipe, the air bypass comprising an electrically powered air pump forpumping air, gases, odors and airborne species from the flush conduit tothe sewage pipe a valve for sealing the air bypass when the air pump isnot in use and a water tight valve for preventing water from flushingfrom flowing throughout the bypass.

Optionally, the air pump is an electrically powered rotating air fan;the air valve comprises a lightweight flap that is raised by suctionfrom the rotating air fan when in use, and the water valve comprises aflap that is pressed over outlet from the flush conduit into the airbypass by water flowing through the flush conduit.

Optionally, the air bypass comprises a first duct extending from topsurface of rear extension down to the flush conduit, a second ductextending from top surface of rear extension down to the sewage pipe anda lid thereover, the lid being sealed to the rear extension via a waterand airtight gasket.

Typically, the gasket comprises rubber or an artificial substitutethereof.

A further aspect of the invention is directed to a method ofretrofitting a toilet to extract odors from toilet bowl, comprisingproviding a bypass coupling flush outlets under rim of the bowl withsewage pipe downstream of U shaped trap, the bypass having a leaf valvetherein and an electric air pump, such that operation of said air pumpraises the leaf valve and allows extraction of air and vapors from thebowl to the sewage pipe via the bypass, and cessation of said air pumpcauses the leaf valve to block the air bypass.

Yet a further aspect of the invention is directed to an insert forinserting into a first duct between the top of a rear extension of atoilet pedestal and a flush duct therebeneath, the insert having an airvalve comprising a leaf flap configured to be closed by gravity andopened by suction of the air pump at its top end and a water valvecomprising a normally open flap that is closeable by pressure of waterflushing through the flush duct at its lower end.

It will be noted that embodiments of the invention may be used withmonoblock type toilets, toilets with concealed cisterns, toilets withraised cisterns, or to toilets that are directly connected to a mainsflushing system. Indeed, since the air extraction system is independentof the cistern, embodiments of the invention may be used withnon-flushing toilets as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how it may becarried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way ofexample, to the accompanying drawings.

With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressedthat the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes ofillustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what isbelieved to be the most useful and readily understood description of theprinciples and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, noattempt is made to show structural details of the invention in moredetail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of theinvention; the description taken with the drawings making apparent tothose skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may beembodied in practice. In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a cross section through a prior art water closet;

FIG. 2A is a schematic, cut away isometric, exploded section through anodor extracting toilet system with a bypass in the toilet pedestalincluding the toilet's flush conduit, in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a schematic isometric view of a preferred embodiment of aunitary flap valve unit for use in some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic, cut away isometric, exploded section through anodor extracting toilet system with a bypass separate from the toilet'sflush conduit in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 shows a cut away isometric view of a toilet seat having airconduits therein for extracting air therethrough, in an odor extractingtoilet system according to yet another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5A shows a schematic, cut away isometric, exploded section throughan odor extracting toilet system with the toilet seat shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 5B is an enlarged isometric projection of the pump and valve unitof the air extraction system of FIG. 5A and

FIG. 5C is a section through the pump and valve unit of FIG. 5B.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIG. 1 a cross-section through a standard, prior artwater closet or toilet 10 is shown. The toilet 10 consists of a pedestalunit 12 and a cistern 14. The pedestal unit 12 has a bowl 16 above whicha seat 18 may be positioned. The bowl 16 is connected to a sewage pipe20 via a U shaped trap 22. The cistern 14 or tank, has a water inlet 24thereinto, that is connected to a water main, a water outlet 26 coupledto the toilet bowl 16 via a flush conduit 28 which typically splits intoa plurality of nozzles 30 under an internal rim 32 around the mouth ofthe toilet bowl 16. A flapper valve 34 coupled to an actuator handle 36covers the outlet 26 of the cistern 14.

The toilet bowl 16 is used as a receptacle for defecation and urinationthereinto. After use, depression of the actuator handle 36 raises theflapper valve 34 and empties water from the cistern 14 down the flushconduit 28 into the toilet bowl 16. The incoming rush of water swishesthe contents of the bowl 16 down the U shaped trap 22 into the sewagemain 20. A float 38, traditionally a ball cock, but often a block ofpolystyrene foam in modern systems, is coupled to a valve 40. Afterflushing, the flapper valve 34 closes the outlet 26 of the cistern 14,and water enters the water inlet 24 into the cistern 14 refilling same.As the water level in the cistern 14 rises, the float 38 rises with itand causes the valve 40 to block the water inlet 24 when the cistern 14is full.

Such toilets 10 have changed little since the original design by SirThomas Crapper in Tudor England, and are in very widespread use,worldwide.

The cistern 14 may be raised above the toilet bowl 16, and connectedtherewith via a vertical pipe 28, to provide a more powerful flush. Itmay be mounted directly above and behind the toilet bowl 16 as aso-called monoblock toilet, or may be concealed within a wall. Indeed,where a suitable water pressure is available, a toilet bowl may beconnected via a faucet to a water main supply, dispensing with thecistern altogether.

The toilet 10 described above effectively removes solid and liquid humanwaste products to a sewage pipe 20 connected to a sewage line, either amains sewage system or to a cesspit. The U shaped trap 22 prevents theunpleasant smells from the sewage pipe 20 from entering the toilet 10.

Toilets are generally installed in relatively small, confined spaces,such as small rooms or cubicles, and the standard prior art toilet 10does not provide a solution for gaseous excretions of users, which maybe expelled whilst defecating. Such gaseous excretions generally requireventing via a window or an air vent from the room.

It has been recognized that most gases are released whilst defecatingand it has been proposed in the past, to pump gases from the toilet bowl16 to the sewage pipe 20, bypassing the U shaped trap 22. Many prior artsystems of this type are complicated, unreliable and requireconsiderable maintenance. Others are unaesthetic.

With reference to FIG. 2A, the toilet 110 of an embodiment of theinvention again consists of a pedestal unit 112 and a cistern 14 mutatismutandis. The pedestal unit 112 has a bowl 116 above which a seat 18(FIG. 1) may be positioned. The bowl 116 is connected to a sewage pipe120 via a U shaped trap 122. The cistern 14 is again coupled to thetoilet bowl 116 via a flush conduit 128 which typically splits into aplurality of nozzles 130 under an internal rim 132 around the mouth ofthe toilet bowl 116.

An air bypass is provided for coupling the nozzles or air intake ports130 around the toilet bowl 116 to the first section of the sewage pipe120 after the U shaped trap 122. An air pump 162 is provided within thebypass, which sucks air, gases, odors and airborne pollutants throughthe nozzles 130, down the bypass extending substantially throughout thepedestal 112 and into the first section of the sewage pipe 120. Suchsolutions are known, but unlike in the prior art, the present inventionis simpler, more reliable and more easily maintained.

A duct 144 connecting to the sewage-pipe 120 downstream of the U bend122 is provided, that has an aperture in the extension 117 of thepedestal 112 behind the bowl 116. A block 150 is provided, connecting tothe duct 144 and to another duct 140. Block 150 has gasketed outlets151, 153 extending throughout its underside, for sealingly engaging themouths of the ducts 144 and 140 to the block 150. Most designs of toiletpedestals 112 can be retrofitted or adapted to extract gases via theflush conduit 128 in the manner described hereinabove. Since generallyflushing is via a plurality of nozzles 130 around and under the rim 132,directed onto the surface of the bowl 116, sucking air there out doesnot unduly discomfort the user. A rotary air pump 162 and a flap valve180 are fitted into the block 150 attached to the rear part of thepedestal 112, extending behind the bowl 116.

A lid 154 may be bolted to the block 150 via a gasket 152 therebetweento allow access, whilst preventing escape of odors. A cover-plate 170may be provided that is coupleable to the toilet pedestal 112. The covermay be fabricated from a glazed toilet ceramic, such as used for thetoilet pedestal 112, or may be a fabricated from a hard plastic,typically a thermo set. To provide a water-tight and air-tight couplingto the toilet pedestal 112, a rubber gasket 172 may be sandwichedbetween the cover 170 and the rearward extension 117 of the pedestal 112and bolted in place by bolts protruding from the cover 170, through thetop surface of the rearward extension 117 and fastened in place withwing nuts or the like. Other types of clips may be substituted. Such acover 170 provides an easy to keep clean solution, preventing urine fromaccumulating.

A first circular duct 140 is thus provided with a lower opening in theroof of the flush conduit 128. The duct's upper opening connects to thecircular bottom of the gasketed outlet 153. A valve 180 with rectangularflap 142 is provided in the rectangular top (not shown) of the gasketedoutlet 153 such that water pressure from flushing of the toilet 110causes the simple hinged flap 142 to easily seal the block 150 andprevents water from flowing throughout the bypass. Such flap seals havebeen has been found to perform admirably. Alternatively, the interior ofthe duct 140 is substantially rectangular or square in shape at its top,and the gasketed outlet 153 is rectangular throughout. Other types ofvalves, such as a ball and ring valve or other simple sealing means maybe substituted. The ball and ring valve consists of a floating ballwhich is sealingly jammed against a ring. Such a configuration may beplaced over the entrance from the flush conduit 128 into the first duct140, and is best suited to round ducts, such as fabricated by drilling,for example.

The air pump 162 is provided within block 150, preferably fitting ontothe gasketed outlet 151, and coupling between first duct 140 and secondduct 144 to pump air gases, odors and airborne pollutants from thetoilet bowl 116 to the sewage pipe 120.

To prevent sewage smells from permeating back through the bypass whenthe pump 162 is not operated, a one-way valve is required. There are anumber of suitable valves available. Indeed the ball valve used forpreventing flush water from the flush duct from flooding the bypass 150may be configured to be not only light enough to float, but also lightenough to be sufficiently displaced from a lower ring thereunder, toallow air to flow therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, a leaf valve180 is provided within the gasketed outlet 153, the leaf valve 180including a framework 184 sealingly fitting into the gasketed outlet153, such that the air sub-pressure caused by the pump 162 sufficientlydisplaces the hinged leaf 182 or air valve sealingly fitted intoframework 184, to allow gases to flow therepast. However, when pump 162is switched off, the leaf 182 drops under gravity and sealingly engagesthe framework 184 therearound, providing an air tight seal. Apart fromthe configuration shown, such a leaf valve 180 may be configuredanywhere in the bypass upstream of the pump 162. In configurationsincluding a water valve, the air valve is situated downstream of thewater valve 142 and upstream of the air pump.

It will be noted that the present invention is reliable, simple andeconomical to implement. The cistern 14 is not tampered with or modifiedin any way, and the system can be implemented with any type of cisternor flushing mechanism, including a cistern less mechanism flusheddirectly by a pressurized water supply.

Thus a simple and rugged odor extraction system comprising simple valvesand a simple electrical air fan of the type typically used for coolingcomputer cases may be applied to flushable toilets of all types,including monoblock toilets, toilets with raised tanks and toilets withtanks concealed in the wall.

The solution is simple. Apart from coupling the cistern to a watersupply and the bowl 116 of the toilet 110 to a sewage main as isgenerally required with all flushable toilets, no further plumbingconnections are required. The air pump 162 requires coupling to anelectrical power supply, which may be a 12 V DC supply. The air pump 162may be actuated by a pressure sensor in the toilet seat or a lightsensor indicating the presence of someone. For simplicity andreliability, it may be actuated by switching on the light switch, oreven operated continuously.

It will be noted that the air pump and valves are very simple andreliable and are easily accessed for maintenance, cleaning orreplacement.

With reference to FIG. 3, a toilet pedestal 410 in accordance to afurther embodiment is shown, wherein the extraction system is againcoupled to the rim 432 of the toilet bowl 416 but is independent of theflush conduit 428. A second channel or conduit 433 is provided thatconnects to the rim 432 of the bowl 416, but not to the flush outlets430. The second conduit 433 only serves as a first duct for extractingair and gases from the bowl 416, and is again coupled to the sewage pipe420 via an air fan 462 in block 450. Since the air extraction is not viathe flush conduit 428, no water valve is required, and only an airvalve, typically a flap 454 is required. The flap is fitted to the block450 that may be inserted into a corresponding air duct 456 in the rearextending portion of the toilet pedestal 412, behind the bowl 416. Airduct 456 is formed by a rubber gasket frame 472 and lid 473 mutatismutandis, the whole being disguised by cover 470 mutatis mutandis.

With reference to FIG. 4, the air extraction may be via vents 630 arounda hollow toilet seat 618 having one or more air conduits 652 therein forextracting air therethrough. Such a toilet seat 618 may couple to thetoilet pedestal via a hinge 654 to allow it to be raised to preventwetting by males urinating. The conduits 652 may be coupled to anextraction system incorporated in the toilet bowl via a vent 655 in thehinge 654.

With reference to FIG. 5A, an exploded view of a toilet pedestal 712fitted with an air extraction unit 750 and the seat 618 of FIG. 4 isshown.

Referring to FIGS. 5B and 5C, an enlarged isometric projection and crosssection of the extraction unit 750 is shown. Extraction unit 750includes a rotary air pump 762 and a normally closed air valve 782,typically a flap, and is coupled to conduits 652 (FIG. 4) in toilet seat618 (FIGS. 4, 5 a) via coupling vent 755. Air valve 782 prevents sewagevapors from sewage main to flow out of toilet seat 618.

It will be noted that the present invention provides a discrete,aesthetic solution for extracting odors from toilet bowls, and may beused with various toilets and does not require any specific type ofcistern or flush mechanism.

The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims andincludes both combinations and sub combinations of the various featuresdescribed hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof,which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading theforegoing description.

In the claims, the word “comprise”, and variations thereof such as“comprises”, “comprising” and the like indicate that the componentslisted are included, but not generally to the exclusion of othercomponents.

1. An odor extracting system for a toilet bowl of a toilet pedestal,coupleable to a water supply via a flush conduit leading to flushoutlets under a rim of the bowl; the bowl being coupleable to a sewagepipe via a U shaped trap; the odor extracting system comprising: an airbypass extending substantially through the pedestal, the air bypass forbypassing the U shaped trap, that is coupled to air intake ports aroundthe toilet bowl, and to the sewage pipe downstream of the U shaped trap;an air pump for pumping air and vapors out of toilet bowl to sewage pipevia the air bypass, and a light weight air valve upstream of the airpump, the air valve to seal the air bypass when said pump is not in useto prevent escape of smells from the sewage pipe to the toilet bowl;said system further comprising a sealing lid coupled to the toiletpedestal, allowing access to the air valve and air pump, whilstpreventing escape of odors from the bypass.
 2. The odor extractingsystem of claim 1, the air intake ports being either: a. incorporatedinto a seat of the toilet for sucking air and odors from vicinity ofsaid seat to said sewage main; b. additional apertures around the rim ofthe toilet bowl, separate and distinct from the flush outlets, and c.the flush outlets under the rim of the toilet bowl.
 3. The odorextracting system of claim 1, further comprising: a. a water valve inair bypass, the water valve upstream of air valve, the water valve toprevent water from flush conduit from flowing throughout the air bypasson flushing the toilet; b. the water valve within the air bypasscomprising either: (i) a flap, or (ii) a ball valve.
 4. The odorextracting system of claim 1, the air pump comprising a rotary fan. 5.The odor extracting system of claim 1, the air valve comprising a leafflap that is displaceable by suction of the air pump when said air pumpis operated, and which sealingly closes said air bypass when air pump isnot operating.
 6. The odor extracting system of claim 1, the toiletcomprising a rear extension extending behind the bowl and housing theflush conduit, and the air bypass comprising: a. the flush conduit; b. afirst duct with apertures in the roof of the flush conduit and in ablock; c. the block situated in the rear extension; d. a water valveabove said first duct for sealing the first duct when flushing thetoilet; e. a second duct with apertures in the sewage pipe downstream ofthe U shaped trap, and in the block; f. the air pump downstream of thewater valve, and g. the light air valve, situated between the watervalve and the air pump.
 7. The odor extracting system of claim 1,further comprising ports provided through the rear extension, and acover plate being provided with a gasket and being bolted to the rearextension to provide water and air-tight seal.
 8. The odor extractingsystem of claim 1, the toilet comprising a rear extension extendingbehind the bowl, and the air bypass comprising: a. a first duct withapertures in the toilet rim and in a block; b. the block in the rearextension; c. A second duct with apertures in the sewage pipe downstreamof the U shaped trap, and in the block; d. the air pump downstream ofthe water valve, and e. the light air valve, situated between the watervalve and the air pump.
 9. The odor extracting system of claim 1, theair bypass comprising: a. vents around a hollow toilet seat, the seatcoupled to the toilet pedestal via a hinge; b. a vent in the hinge; c.the light air valve comprising a normally closed air valve, coupled tothe vent in the hinge, for preventing sewage vapors from sewage mainflowing out of toilet seat, and d. the air pump downstream of saidnormally closed air valve.
 10. The odor extracting system of claim 3,the water valve and air valve being comprised as a single unit.
 11. Theodor extracting system of claim 1, the air pump being coupled to a lightswitch so that switching on a light in the vicinity of toilet activatesthe air pump.
 12. The odor extracting system of claim 1 being coupled toa sensor and activated by use of the toilet.
 13. The odor extractingsystem of claim 1 being coupled to an extractor fan for extracting fumesfrom the toilet cubicle.
 14. A toilet pedestal comprising a toilet bowlwith a rim having flush outlets thereunder that are coupled to a flushconduit extending through a rear extension of the pedestal; the toiletbowl having an exit thereout, coupled to a first section of a sewagepipe via a U shaped trap; and further comprising an air bypass couplingthe flush conduit to the first section of a sewage pipe, the air bypasscomprising an electrically powered air pump for pumping air, gases,odors and airborne species from the flush conduit to the sewage pipe, avalve for sealing the air bypass when the air pump is not in use and awater tight valve for preventing water from flushing from flowingthroughout the bypass.
 15. The toilet pedestal of claim 14, wherein theair pump is an electrically powered rotating air fan, the air valvecomprises a lightweight flap that is raised by suction from the rotatingair fan when in use, and the water valve comprises a flap that ispressed over outlet from the flush conduit into the air bypass by waterflowing through the flush conduit.
 16. The toilet pedestal of claim 14,wherein the air bypass comprises a first duct extending from top surfaceof rear extension down to the flush conduit, a second duct extendingfrom top surface of rear extension down to the sewage pipe and a lidthereover, the lid being sealed to the rear extension via a water andairtight gasket.
 17. The toilet pedestal of claim 14, wherein the gasketcomprises rubber or an artificial substitute thereof.
 18. A method ofretrofitting a toilet to extract odors from toilet bowl, comprisingproviding a bypass coupling flush outlets under rim of the bowl withsewage pipe downstream of U shaped trap, the bypass having a leaf valvetherein and an electric air pump, such that operation of said air pumpraises the leaf valve and allows extraction of air and vapors from thebowl to the sewage pipe via the bypass, and cessation of said air pumpcauses the leaf valve to block the air bypass.
 19. An insert forinserting into a first duct between the top of a rear extension of atoilet pedestal and a flush duct therebeneath, the insert having an airvalve comprising a leaf flap configured to be closed by gravity andopened by suction of the air pump at its top end and a water valvecomprising a normally open flap that is closeable by pressure of waterflushing through the flush duct at its lower end.